iPad Not Showing on TV or Monitor? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• A VGA or HDMI cable that doesn’t work
• A converter that changes the VGA or HDMI signal to DVI, Composite or Component
• A VGA adapter, which doesn’t carry audio
• An app that isn’t compatible with your adapter
• Movies, TV shows or streaming apps that require HDCP, played over a non-HDCP connection such as the Apple VGA Adapter

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start with the adapter and the display’s input, then work through the steps in order and check the display after each one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check that you have the right adapter

   Apple says you need a VGA, Digital AV or HDMI adapter that has the same connector as your iPad.

   To show your iPad on a TV, monitor or projector, use a VGA, Digital AV or HDMI adapter with the same connector as your iPad: USB-C or Lightning.

   On an iPad with USB-C, you may be able to connect to a USB or Thunderbolt 3 port on the display. If the charge cable that came with your iPad isn’t compatible with the display’s port, use an adapter instead.

   • iPad with USB-C: plug a USB-C Display AV Adapter or USB-C VGA Multi-port Adapter into the charging port. You can also use a USB-C to HDMI adapter for an HDMI display or TV.
   • iPad with Lightning: plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Lightning to VGA Adapter into the charging port.
   • Then connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter, and the other end to the display, TV or projector.

   Good to know

   To connect without a cable, Apple points to AirPlay.

2. 2

   Step 2: Switch the display to the right input

   Apple’s connection steps include switching to the correct video source on the display, TV or projector.

   If necessary, switch to the correct video source on the display, TV or projector. If you need help, use the display’s manual.

   Good to know

   With the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, video from your iPad should appear within 10 seconds of connecting the display, TV or projector.

3. 3

   Step 3: Disconnect and reconnect everything

   Apple suggests disconnecting and reconnecting the adapter at both ends.

   Disconnect your adapter from your iPad and from your TV, monitor or projector, then connect it again.

   With the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, unplug the adapter, then plug all cables into the adapter before you plug the adapter into your iPad.

   If the display doesn’t turn on when you connect it, unplug it from your iPad, then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, unplug the display from its power source, then plug it in again.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check the cable and remove converters

   Apple says the issue could be with the cable, and that signal converters aren’t compatible.

   Make sure that your VGA or HDMI cable works, since the issue could be with the cable.

   Remove any VGA or HDMI extension cables or converters. Accessories that convert VGA or HDMI signals to different video formats (DVI, Composite, Component) aren’t compatible.

   Good to know

   To connect an iPad with USB-C to a high-resolution display, Apple says to use a USB-C cable that supports high-bandwidth connections, such as the cable included with the display.

5. 5

   Step 5: No sound? Check which adapter you’re using

   A VGA adapter doesn’t carry audio signals, so Apple points to a Digital AV adapter with an HDMI port.

   If you see video but can’t hear audio, make sure that you’re using a Digital AV adapter, which has an HDMI port. A VGA adapter doesn’t carry audio signals.

   To hear audio with a VGA adapter, connect to the headset jack on your TV, monitor, projector or stereo.

   Good to know

   For FaceTime and other telephony apps over HDMI audio output, Apple says to use a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check the app if an app shows nothing

   If an app doesn’t display video or play audio, the app might not be compatible with your adapter.

   If an app doesn’t display video or play audio on the display, the app might not be compatible with your adapter. Check compatibility on the app’s info page in the App Store, or contact the developer.

7. 7

   Step 7: If you see an HDCP alert

   Movies, TV shows and certain streaming video apps require HDCP, and a non-HDCP connection brings up the alert.

   If an alert says that an HDCP-compatible device is required, your content might not be compatible with your adapter. Movies, TV shows and certain streaming video apps require High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).

   If you try to play them using a non-HDCP digital connection, like the Apple VGA Adapter, an alert asks for an HDCP-compatible device.

   Good to know

   The HDMI port of the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is HDCP compliant.

8. 8

   Step 8: Update iPadOS

   Apple’s adapter checklist includes making sure you have the latest version of iPadOS.

   Back up your iPad using iCloud or your computer. Plug it into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

   Open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. You’ll see the installed version and whether an update is available. If one is, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

   Good to know

   If the update doesn’t appear on your iPad, you can use your computer to update it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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